In Memoriam

Barbara Jean Schroer

Dale L. Higgins

Barbara Jean Schroer, age 80, passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of January 2, 2022. She was born August 31, 1941, in Muncie, Indiana, the first child of Harry Lindley and Clara LaVella (King) Lindley. She married Kenneth L. Schroer on October 12, 1963.

Prior to her marriage, she was a college student at Ball State University. After marriage, she and Ken raised their children on their registered dairy farm where the city girl learned to take care of calves, milk cows and make hay in New Knoxville, Ohio. She became well-known for her skills for creating beautiful cakes for weddings and special occasions. She was active throughout her children’s lives in volunteering as a teacher at Vacation Bible Schools and church, helping at school activities and with their 4-H projects. During the late 80’s and early 90’s she ministered as an aide at several nursing facilities in the region. After the kids left the nest, she returned to school and got her medical transcription certificate. She worked as a medical transcriptionist for 10 years in various hospitals in the area. In 1995, she and Ken left New Knoxville and relocated to Bellefontaine where they spent 26 years together in retirement and traveling across the country.

Celebrating the life and legacy she leaves behind includes her husband of 58 years; three children: Cheryl (James) Schroer-Oechsle, Van Wert, OH, Juli (Jeff) Lubelczyk, Elkridge, MD and Scott (Holly) Schroer, Bellefontaine; grandchildren: Harrison, Matthew (fiance’ Mackenzie Ray) and Korey (fiance’ Torie Bockey) Oechsle; Tanner, Rachael and Gavin Schroer; step-grandchildren Stephan (Crystal) Oechsle, Tre Sherman, Rayonna Sherman and great-granddaughters, Kensley Oechsle and Maisyn Miller. siblings: Robert (Sylvia) Lindley, Betty (Roy) Clark and Katherine (Jack) Riviello; brother-in-laws Lloyd Schroer and Dick (Nancy) Schroer and sister-in-law Carolyn Grossman, and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, Clarence and Esther Schroer, two grandsons: Andrew and Peter Lubelczyk and several other in-laws and cousins.

A celebration of life was held on Friday, January 7. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Kennedy Krieger Institute. Please direct your gift to the Office of Philanthropy, Kennedy Krieger Foundation, 707 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 or KennedyKrieger.org/ Tributes.

Dale L. Higgins, age 67, of Fredericktown, entered into Heaven Wednesday, December 8, 2021, following a brief illness.

He was born on July 17, 1954, in Mount Gilead, to the late Ned P. and Roberta “Bertie” M. (Geyer) Higgins. Dale attended Northmor Schools and graduated with the class of 1973. While in school, Dale also attended Pioneer where he studied in diesel mechanics.

On September 4, 1982, Dale married the love of his life Nancy L. Kaiser at the Bryn Zion Baptist Church.

A man of faith, Dale was a lifelong member of the Bryn Zion Baptist Church.

Dale was currently employed as a district manager of DHI. This year was his 47th year being employed with DHI.

With a love for the outdoors, Dale was often tending to the needs of the farm. He enjoyed his draft horses with his family and was a past member of the Morrow County OHC. Dale enjoyed being in the woods as he also really liked cutting wood. With his gift of being mechanically inclined, Dale also liked being able to fix anything and everything for his family. He enjoyed working on his farm equipment, especially his tractors. Dale also indulged himself with his Corvette and various motorcycles over the years.

Dale’s greatest title came when he became Poppy. He loved nothing more than getting to spend time with his family, especially his grandkids. It was daily you would hear the kids say “Poppy lets do this or that, Poppy, Poppy, Poppy”. It was ALWAYS POPPY!! Dale would take them to the creek to skip rocks, take them camping at Lake Erie and other many adventures. Dale also was easily talked into going to auctions with his son and would come back with many “good deals” he didn’t always need. His family was fortunate to travel many times together to the Smokey Mountains, traveling to many trap shooting events with his son, and also traveling to many horse shows over the years. These will always be great memories to cherish and remember.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Nancy; children: Sarah (Heath) Ratcliff of Fredericktown, and Grant (Sarah) Higgins of Fredericktown; grandchildren: Ryder, Rylee, and Rhett Ratcliff, and Drew Higgins; siblings: John Higgins of Mount Gilead and Nancy (Bernie) Kessler of New Washington; and nieces: Jennifer Higgins of Centerville and Dr. Michelle Higgins of Portland, ME.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents: Ned and Bertie; brother, Robert; and one little angel of Poppy’s.

A service to celebrate his life was held at Bryn Zion Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, with Pastor Jeff Hubschman officiating. Burial followed on the family farm.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Bryn Zion Baptist Church.

Judy McCarty, 75, of Rexford, KS, died Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Citizens Medical Center, in Colby. She was born August 27th,1946, in Rochester, NY to Francis Crawford and Mona (Swayze) Crawford. After high school she attended Mansfield University in Pennsylvania where she obtained a degree in education. She did her student teaching in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, a small community in Northeastern PA, where she met a fellow educator – Tom McCarty -and her life’s work began.

Judy loved teaching and during her years at Wyalusing she touched the lives of many young children – many of whom still talk to this day about their memories of her. Always passionate about education, she later served for many years on the Wyalusing School Board where she was a tireless listener and advocate for students.

Judy McCarty

In Memoriam

Judy spent many years as an advisor to the cheerleading program, which also enabled her to enjoy one of her greatest loves – athletics.

She and Tom were married on July 20th,1968. After several years of teaching and farming they made the decision to become the third generation of McCarty’s in the dairy business and Elmglade Farms in Sugar Run, PA was born. Judy loved animals and agriculture and poured her heart and soul into creating it. She was involved in every aspect of the dairy; no job was too hard or day too long. Regardless of the struggles, she always had an unbelievable sense of optimism and an endless smile. Whether she was feeding calves in a snowstorm, finding water leaks at midnight, or walking pregnant over a mountain in the middle of a flood carrying her son- she always appeared happy. Her home was always open, and her kitchen table created many dreams, stories, and fed the mouths of many more than she could ever afford.

Judy was the proud mother of 4 boys, who she supported and loved beyond words, until the day she passed. Besides raising her own children, she raised countless more over her lifetime. Her station wagon was full on the way to every ball game, her basement was packed every weekend, and she was always willing to listen. She became a second mother to many people in Pennsylvania and she continued that when she moved to Kansas – touching peoples lives wherever she was.

Unselfish to her core – she never needed anything and was always okay – period. Fiercely loyal to Tom and her boys, and the dreams she shared with them, she helped create endless opportunities for her family. In 1999 she and Tom sold their dairy operation in Sugar Run and moved to Rexford, KS to allow her boys to chase another dream. She became the matriarch of McCarty Family Farms and enjoyed watching the business grow beyond her wildest imagination. Her door was always open as before – and was again the birthplace of many ideas and dreams. Judy hosted people from all walks of life – and enjoyed them all equally.

She is survived by her sister Phyllis (Tim) Doolittle, of Bel Air, Maryland; her husband of 53 years, Tom, of Rexford; children, Mike, Clay, David and Ken, along with their families, including 11 grandchildren.

Services were held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pioneer Memorial Library, sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Hoovler, several nieces and nephews, and his faithful companion; his dog, Buckeye.

Robert was a lifelong farmer and also worked as a cattle buyer for Egbert Livestock for 29 years. As owner of Rolling Hills Farms Simmentals LLC, Robert’s whole life revolved around his farm and cattle. He was a member of the American Simmental Association, the Ohio Simmental Association, the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, and the Hardin County Cattle Producers. He loved everything about being a cattle farmer. Even in his free time he would attend cattle shows and fairs.

Funeral services for Robert Hoovler were held Saturday, December 4, 2021 at The Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton with Pastor Phil Walker officiating. Burial followed at Fairview McDonald Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Robert’s honor may be made to the Ohio Jr. Simmental Association, 11203 Mullinix Road, West Salem, Ohio 44287.

Robert Hoovler Betty Ruth Simpson

Robert Hoovler, 69, of Belle Center, OH, died on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at his residence. He was born on January 4, 1952 in Mt. Vernon to the late Gaylord and Betty (Spearman) Hoovler. He married Mary Ellen Hostetler and they later divorced, he then married Nancy Durbin and she preceded him in death. Robert then married Sallie Freeman and she survives in Belle Center.

Also surviving are 3 daughters; Julie Nichols of Fredericktown, Amanda Franz of Sebring, Florida, Marcia Hoovler of Belle Center, 2 sons; Matthew Hoovler of Danville, William (Kari) Hoovler of Belle Center, a sister; Beverly (Gary) Brennstuhl of Danville, a brother; Bill (Bev) Hoovler of Harrington, Delaware, 4 grandchildren; Wyatt and Wade Nichols, Callie Franz, Reid

Betty Ruth Simpson, 85, passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at East Ohio Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Betty was born February 22, 1936, at home near St. Clairsville, Ohio. Daughter of the late Harry and Verna (Taylor) Carpenter. She was a 1954 graduate of Belmont High School.

In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by an infant brother Harry Raymond, brother Clyde Carpenter, sisterin-law Shirley Carpenter and sons-in-law Marvin (Wayne) Burkhart and Thaddeus (Thad) White Sr.

Surviving is her husband of 65 years, Orville (Jr), Daughters Janice Burkhart of Jacobsburg, Marilyn White of Flushing and Donald (Danette) Simpson of Belmont.

She enjoyed 10 grandchildren Missy (Chad) Bower, Isaac (Dorothy) Burkhart, T.J. (Brandy) White, Sarah (Randy) Tyrell, Jessica (Jon) Bugay, Eric (Bethany) White, Erin (Casey) Mayo, Emily (Dillon) Brown, Ben (Hannah) Simpson and Robert (Arika) Simpson. Betty has 29 Great Grandchildren, with one on the way.

Surviving siblings are Howard (Phyllis) Carpenter, Edna (Floyd) Paugh, Esther (Bill) Kettlewell, Thelma (Harry) Kettlewell, Martha (Lee) Schell and Judy (Jim) Coleman. She was a hardworking, dedicated wife, and loving person who touched many lives. She was a dedicated Dairy Farmer’s wife and worked side by side with her husband and family for many years. She has been actively involved for many years at the Belmont County Fair where she enjoyed exhibiting her canned and baked goods and watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren exhibit. She was an active member in the Belmont County Farm Bureau and the former Lamira Homemakers group. Betty was a member of the East Richland Friends Church.

She has touched many lives and will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, donations Belmont County 4-H Endowment fund or Belmont E-squad and Fire Department.